The FBI appears to have adopted an invasive Internet surveillance technique that collects far more data on innocent Americans than previously has been disclosed.

Instead of recording only what a particular suspect is doing, agents conducting investigations appear to be assembling the activities of thousands of Internet users at a time into massive databases, according to current and former officials. That database can subsequently be queried for names, e-mail addresses or keywords.

Such a technique is broader and potentially more intrusive than the FBI's Carnivore surveillance system, later renamed DCS1000. It raises concerns similar to those stirred by widespread Internet monitoring that the National Security Agency is said to have done, according to documents that have surfaced in one federal lawsuit, and may stretch the bounds of what's legally permissible.

Call it the vacuum-cleaner approach. It's employed when police have obtained a court order and an Internet service provider can't "isolate the particular person or IP address" because of technical constraints, says Paul Ohm, a former trial attorney at the Justice Department's Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. (An Internet Protocol address is a series of digits that can identify an individual computer.)

That kind of full-pipe surveillance can record all Internet traffic, including Web browsing--or, optionally, only certain subsets such as all e-mail messages flowing through the network. Interception typically takes place inside an Internet provider's network at the junction point of a router or network switch.

The technique came to light at the Search & Seizure in the Digital Age symposium held at Stanford University's law school on Friday. Ohm, who is now a law professor at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and Richard Downing, a CCIPS assistant deputy chief, discussed it during the symposium.

In a telephone conversation afterward, Ohm said that full-pipe recording has become federal agents' default method for Internet surveillance. "You collect wherever you can on the (network) segment," he said. "If it happens to be the segment that has a lot of IP addresses, you don't throw away the other IP addresses. You do that after the fact."

related blog
DOJ takes issue with wiretapping story

Justice Department spokesman responds to CNET News.com report.

"You intercept first and you use whatever filtering, data mining to get at the information about the person you're trying to monitor," he added.

On Monday, a Justice Department representative would not immediately answer questions about this kind of surveillance technique. (Late Tuesday, the Justice Department responded
with a statement taking issue with this description of the FBI's surveillance practices.)

"What they're doing is even worse than Carnivore," said Kevin Bankston, a staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation who attended the Stanford event. "What they're doing is intercepting everyone and then choosing their targets."

When the FBI announced two years ago it had abandoned Carnivore, news reports said that the bureau would increasingly rely on Internet providers to conduct the surveillance and reimburse them for costs. While Carnivore was the subject of congressional scrutiny and outside audits, the FBI's current Internet eavesdropping techniques have received little attention.

Carnivore apparently did not perform full-pipe recording. A technical report (PDF: "Independent Technical Review of the Carnivore System") from December 2000 prepared for the Justice Department said that Carnivore "accumulates no data other than that which passes its filters" and that it saves packets "for later analysis only after they are positively linked by the filter settings to a target."

How can they monitor all this stuff you ask?It?s the fed?s they get lots of free money so they can afford to build large and Fast search systems.

Just start off by doing a keywords search that's easy.Now after you found keywords you then can perform a contextual search.

Where by reading the entire content of a message where the keyword came from you can see if the message is evil or good.

You can even buy this type of software yourself; this is just one of the many companies that sell this type of software.<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.zyn.com/flcfw/fwtproj/perilog-ames.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.zyn.com/flcfw/fwtproj/perilog-ames.html</a>Than way automatically you can with a computer tell the difference between.

Let?s say your message software is scanning in the gigs of messages and it sees.The keyword, ?bomb? it tags that message stuff it in different database for more research.

Now completely under computer controls it looks at the messages in this detail search database.

they leave messages such as "we will detonate the bomb at 11:00 hours". Right. Don't you think that they are smart enough to speak in code, so that even if their messages are intercepted, no-one will be able to report on them and/or foil their plots?

And if the above is true, then why the h_ll does the FBI need such intrusive methods to spy on all our e-mail traffic (mostly from innocent citizens), since a more likely terrorist message would be, "tell Mom that I will pick her up at 11:00 pm?" which, of course, would likely not alert anyone?

How can they monitor all this stuff you ask?It?s the fed?s they get lots of free money so they can afford to build large and Fast search systems.

Just start off by doing a keywords search that's easy.Now after you found keywords you then can perform a contextual search.

Where by reading the entire content of a message where the keyword came from you can see if the message is evil or good.

You can even buy this type of software yourself; this is just one of the many companies that sell this type of software.<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.zyn.com/flcfw/fwtproj/perilog-ames.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.zyn.com/flcfw/fwtproj/perilog-ames.html</a>Than way automatically you can with a computer tell the difference between.

Let?s say your message software is scanning in the gigs of messages and it sees.The keyword, ?bomb? it tags that message stuff it in different database for more research.

Now completely under computer controls it looks at the messages in this detail search database.

they leave messages such as "we will detonate the bomb at 11:00 hours". Right. Don't you think that they are smart enough to speak in code, so that even if their messages are intercepted, no-one will be able to report on them and/or foil their plots?

And if the above is true, then why the h_ll does the FBI need such intrusive methods to spy on all our e-mail traffic (mostly from innocent citizens), since a more likely terrorist message would be, "tell Mom that I will pick her up at 11:00 pm?" which, of course, would likely not alert anyone?

I know that since the Patriot act the right to privacy has been fairly eroded, and the mentality of "if you did nothing wrong you have nothing to worry about" has prevailed. Yet I still am stunned to see actions like this taken. Yesterday, there was a story about cyber threats from the FBI and I rallied behind that cause. However, I don't think that we should be throwing rights out the window for potential improved security measure. Just think about every personal email you ever send being stored on a database somewhere. Whether you are witting home to tell the wive and kids I love you, or sending accountant your financial details. I expanded my thoughts on my blog <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.iwantmyess.com/" target="_newWindow">http://www.iwantmyess.com/</a> if you want to read more.Michael

I know that since the Patriot act the right to privacy has been fairly eroded, and the mentality of "if you did nothing wrong you have nothing to worry about" has prevailed. Yet I still am stunned to see actions like this taken. Yesterday, there was a story about cyber threats from the FBI and I rallied behind that cause. However, I don't think that we should be throwing rights out the window for potential improved security measure. Just think about every personal email you ever send being stored on a database somewhere. Whether you are witting home to tell the wive and kids I love you, or sending accountant your financial details. I expanded my thoughts on my blog <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.iwantmyess.com/" target="_newWindow">http://www.iwantmyess.com/</a> if you want to read more.Michael

How many Americans already feel it or know that the Internet has been and will continue to be Abused Misused and just Out an Out Sodomized by the very Agencies &#38; Government Who outwardly portray themselves As the Worlds "Human Rights" Watch Dogs When the Reality is oh so much more Dangerous. Can you recall what President said When a Government fears it's people you have a Democracy but when the People Fear there Government you have a True Dicatorship. Stand up and look inside, what Do you feel? Do you really think the Patriot Act was tossed together almost overnight because Of some "Crazed Suicide Bombers" NO-WAY! So today out of the blue WE THE PEOPLE are being given notice that " Our Law Enforcement Ossifers" have a "NEW WAY" Of gathering Evidence ? Listen Folks For those of you who fail to grasp the REALITYS of what these Bastards are up to Try this on For size. YOUR TAX DOLLARS Are Being used to Research New Technologys for the Military and Law enforcement So they Can Actually sit above your home and Listen to your everyword phone call Key stroke you name it And they don't have to leave the Office Or rather the Basement which is no doubt where there Covert Crap is taking place. But think folks Your Dollars Being used to Create Super Huge Vast Amounts of wealth for the Pro- Military hardware Pals and there close friends the PetroBoys who incase you haven't noticed have already Made yr in and yr out HISTORY MAKING MEGA BILLINS IN PROFITS ! Now how many of you nice people think the Top CEOs down at Citgo Or Texaco Really Need to purchase that Other Inland Paradise ? Or do they really Need that 7th Gulfstream G5 ? Could you imagine being so Filthy Freckin Rich that you Sent your Daughter to Argentina So she could purchase her very Own 98 Thousand Acre Ranch right Next door from Old Tricky ***** who's driveway which is directly across the Runway from Ole G.W.Bush and his Private Jetway And now they have a room full of TechNo Geeks Designing Software that can toss your computer upside down without turning it on AND THEY DO IT EACH AND EVERY DAY while your asleep or up watching the WE WILL TELL YOU WHAT TO SEE nightly Corporate News . Oh Yes People you are without even trying being flipped and Dicked.

How many Americans already feel it or know that the Internet has been and will continue to be Abused Misused and just Out an Out Sodomized by the very Agencies &#38; Government Who outwardly portray themselves As the Worlds "Human Rights" Watch Dogs When the Reality is oh so much more Dangerous. Can you recall what President said When a Government fears it's people you have a Democracy but when the People Fear there Government you have a True Dicatorship. Stand up and look inside, what Do you feel? Do you really think the Patriot Act was tossed together almost overnight because Of some "Crazed Suicide Bombers" NO-WAY! So today out of the blue WE THE PEOPLE are being given notice that " Our Law Enforcement Ossifers" have a "NEW WAY" Of gathering Evidence ? Listen Folks For those of you who fail to grasp the REALITYS of what these Bastards are up to Try this on For size. YOUR TAX DOLLARS Are Being used to Research New Technologys for the Military and Law enforcement So they Can Actually sit above your home and Listen to your everyword phone call Key stroke you name it And they don't have to leave the Office Or rather the Basement which is no doubt where there Covert Crap is taking place. But think folks Your Dollars Being used to Create Super Huge Vast Amounts of wealth for the Pro- Military hardware Pals and there close friends the PetroBoys who incase you haven't noticed have already Made yr in and yr out HISTORY MAKING MEGA BILLINS IN PROFITS ! Now how many of you nice people think the Top CEOs down at Citgo Or Texaco Really Need to purchase that Other Inland Paradise ? Or do they really Need that 7th Gulfstream G5 ? Could you imagine being so Filthy Freckin Rich that you Sent your Daughter to Argentina So she could purchase her very Own 98 Thousand Acre Ranch right Next door from Old Tricky ***** who's driveway which is directly across the Runway from Ole G.W.Bush and his Private Jetway And now they have a room full of TechNo Geeks Designing Software that can toss your computer upside down without turning it on AND THEY DO IT EACH AND EVERY DAY while your asleep or up watching the WE WILL TELL YOU WHAT TO SEE nightly Corporate News . Oh Yes People you are without even trying being flipped and Dicked.

I think that it's OK for such a broad-brushapproach for safeguarding opportunities toperform their jobs. My ONLY possible gripemight be if a function of the programming causes the waste of my time or the use of my computer's functions in any way. In acase like that, then whichever controllingparty, (not at all just our security agencies),but, perhaps we ought to be concerned about theways that big business can cause us to loose theuse of computer functions or residual printercartridge ink (if, for example, we are not buyingenough ink cartridges to offset the losses in thesale of the printer if that were the case). I feel that the folks in our security agencies are really as ethical as can be. They do not atall have anything to gain by not being as ethicalas can be. The frustrations which I sometimes have, instead, are always with large firms whichchange the way that my computer or printer works.These changes are NOT seamless, and are very verydisruptive in my offices. Thank you for considering my email.Dan.

The FBI is doing what the FBI does. The article clearly states that they need a warrant, so this is clearly NOT spying, and obviously NOT blanket survelance. If the data-retention laws currently up for debate are passed, then as the article implies, the FBI would have no reason for this approach, because they'll be able to collect data on JUST the person they have a court order to watch.

What I find REALLY odd, is that all of the people out here whining and complaining have essentially signed an agreement to let their ISP store and monitor any of their traffic. But when the FBI, working in our intereste, gets a court order(check/balance for our interests) to obtain data for an investigation, people suddenly become paranoid and accuse the government of being abusive.

The anti-government comments here really make zero sense. Basically, people are saying... "I trust all my data to my ISP and whomever they choose to hire." While at the same time they seem to be saying "I don't trust my data to the FBI, who is working to protect me, even after a court reviews their request and agrees that it doesn't violate my rights or present unnecessary harm."

Some people really have this situation layed out completely backwards. It is your ISP you should be frightened of. They'll hire ANYBODY. Consider how many hackers would find it adventageous to work for an ISP. ISPs don't need court orders to research your activities. You've thrown all your information into the hands of the unknown, while you sit around and complain that national defense and crime fighting efforts using the same information are abusive. When will people grow up?

I can't believe your comments. You think the folks in security agencies are being ethical? If they were doing that what the hell do they need such broad brush approach to checking emails for anyway? I am really glad I am not an American citizan right now. You are losing your freedoms by and far, much quicker than most of you realize. Your government is prying into email, and taking a lot of what people write out of context. For instanse. I might say, "I wish someone would kill G.W." I really don't mean this, I'm just pissed at what he and some of his cohorts are doing in government. But I also might say, "Someone should plant a damn bomb in the Whitehouse" This comment will get the governments attention, yet I'm just being an ******* by saying this. I understand the need for security, but come on now. This is really infringing on rights of free speech. Now after saying this, I am sure the Canadian government has a very similar approach, but we just don't hear about it. One thing I can say about you Americans, is that eventually you do get the news,something I can't say we Canadians get. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion.

I think that it's OK for such a broad-brushapproach for safeguarding opportunities toperform their jobs. My ONLY possible gripemight be if a function of the programming causes the waste of my time or the use of my computer's functions in any way. In acase like that, then whichever controllingparty, (not at all just our security agencies),but, perhaps we ought to be concerned about theways that big business can cause us to loose theuse of computer functions or residual printercartridge ink (if, for example, we are not buyingenough ink cartridges to offset the losses in thesale of the printer if that were the case). I feel that the folks in our security agencies are really as ethical as can be. They do not atall have anything to gain by not being as ethicalas can be. The frustrations which I sometimes have, instead, are always with large firms whichchange the way that my computer or printer works.These changes are NOT seamless, and are very verydisruptive in my offices. Thank you for considering my email.Dan.

The FBI is doing what the FBI does. The article clearly states that they need a warrant, so this is clearly NOT spying, and obviously NOT blanket survelance. If the data-retention laws currently up for debate are passed, then as the article implies, the FBI would have no reason for this approach, because they'll be able to collect data on JUST the person they have a court order to watch.

What I find REALLY odd, is that all of the people out here whining and complaining have essentially signed an agreement to let their ISP store and monitor any of their traffic. But when the FBI, working in our intereste, gets a court order(check/balance for our interests) to obtain data for an investigation, people suddenly become paranoid and accuse the government of being abusive.

The anti-government comments here really make zero sense. Basically, people are saying... "I trust all my data to my ISP and whomever they choose to hire." While at the same time they seem to be saying "I don't trust my data to the FBI, who is working to protect me, even after a court reviews their request and agrees that it doesn't violate my rights or present unnecessary harm."

Some people really have this situation layed out completely backwards. It is your ISP you should be frightened of. They'll hire ANYBODY. Consider how many hackers would find it adventageous to work for an ISP. ISPs don't need court orders to research your activities. You've thrown all your information into the hands of the unknown, while you sit around and complain that national defense and crime fighting efforts using the same information are abusive. When will people grow up?

I can't believe your comments. You think the folks in security agencies are being ethical? If they were doing that what the hell do they need such broad brush approach to checking emails for anyway? I am really glad I am not an American citizan right now. You are losing your freedoms by and far, much quicker than most of you realize. Your government is prying into email, and taking a lot of what people write out of context. For instanse. I might say, "I wish someone would kill G.W." I really don't mean this, I'm just pissed at what he and some of his cohorts are doing in government. But I also might say, "Someone should plant a damn bomb in the Whitehouse" This comment will get the governments attention, yet I'm just being an ******* by saying this. I understand the need for security, but come on now. This is really infringing on rights of free speech. Now after saying this, I am sure the Canadian government has a very similar approach, but we just don't hear about it. One thing I can say about you Americans, is that eventually you do get the news,something I can't say we Canadians get. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion.

Whether this is all for the good, or bad, only time will tell. I can say that, for any that have been paying attention, the Administration has spent the last six years moving towards a totalitarian regime. The Iraq War, many believe, was for the sole purpose of increasing the President's powers as a War-Time President. They say it didn't matter who we went to war with but a war was the only way for him to utilize powers reserved for war-time. Since then the Administration has done everything possible to move towards a dictatorial form of government. They have knowledge of every gun in America, every National Guard is now in their control (instead of the State's), they have put their people in place in the DHS, Supreme Court, and Attorney General's Office (to name a few). It will take a long time to figure out if this is a good or bad thing. One thing is undeniable, though, and that is that this Administration, one way or another, will not step out of office in 2008. They are only just beginning. It is more than a little scary because it brings to mind governments which have monitored, through fear, the communications of their citizens; Communist Russia, China, Iraq, and Cuba (to name a few). There is a saying that states that Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely. It is a difficult task for a person to assume complete power over a nation (where 2/3 of the people don't like him) and make it work. It would take a horrendous act to give him the total control and to that end I am horrified at the possibilities they might employ to not only stay in office, but to eliminate those who might stop them.With this new revelation we all need to remember that America is a land OF THE PEOPLE, and if we allow fear to control us we will, in fact, be putting our Democracy away forever.We must stand up for our rights or we will no longer have any.Robin Szczepaniak

Whether this is all for the good, or bad, only time will tell. I can say that, for any that have been paying attention, the Administration has spent the last six years moving towards a totalitarian regime. The Iraq War, many believe, was for the sole purpose of increasing the President's powers as a War-Time President. They say it didn't matter who we went to war with but a war was the only way for him to utilize powers reserved for war-time. Since then the Administration has done everything possible to move towards a dictatorial form of government. They have knowledge of every gun in America, every National Guard is now in their control (instead of the State's), they have put their people in place in the DHS, Supreme Court, and Attorney General's Office (to name a few). It will take a long time to figure out if this is a good or bad thing. One thing is undeniable, though, and that is that this Administration, one way or another, will not step out of office in 2008. They are only just beginning. It is more than a little scary because it brings to mind governments which have monitored, through fear, the communications of their citizens; Communist Russia, China, Iraq, and Cuba (to name a few). There is a saying that states that Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely. It is a difficult task for a person to assume complete power over a nation (where 2/3 of the people don't like him) and make it work. It would take a horrendous act to give him the total control and to that end I am horrified at the possibilities they might employ to not only stay in office, but to eliminate those who might stop them.With this new revelation we all need to remember that America is a land OF THE PEOPLE, and if we allow fear to control us we will, in fact, be putting our Democracy away forever.We must stand up for our rights or we will no longer have any.Robin Szczepaniak

If you've got nothing to hide, stop whining. Are they posting all the super private, important, secret information on the internet for all to see? No. So who cares. Stop being philosophical about how our "rights" are bing violated and think about how many people have been stopped from hurting the US through the FBI's wiretapping.If you've got nothing to hide, you shouldn't be worried.

This is a common argument, which is base on at least one seriously flawed assumption: That the FBI i.e. the government are the "good guys". Don't forget this particular agency repeatedly blocked the efforts of a few agents to stop 9-11. Since then they have done all in their power to cover it up and have failed to bring any of the true perps to justice. The question is not if you've got something to hide, but what are they trying to hide?

In 2007, if you believe you have an expectation of privacy anywhere (n general) and on the net, your a fool. If you don?t do gangster ****, don?t praise allah, and pay your taxes, the government doesn?t care about you.

I?m down with the Constitution, and would die for it, however the executive and its agencies will do whatever they want, in the name of protecting America. Its only when things like this are exposed is when public debate decides it a good or bad thing.

We maybe in the future I might have something to hide - the sort of thing that brought about the constitution and so-called freedom from tyranny and corruption.

But beside the obvious, that is allowing this to happen allows abuse and illegal behaviour in the name of protection.

There is a reason why the government is not allowed to search and seize without court oversight

It is so that corrupt police or politicians can't spy on those that would help bring them to justice.. for instance a reporter who that reveals the FBI is spying on everyone via internet service providers.

But it seems to me that people here would rather live in a communist state than have freedom of movement or to be free of search and seizures without court oversight.

When I have to report to the government when I travel by air.. when I have to allow the government listen in on my calls to family overseas.. when I have to allow the government to spy on my internet activity.. when I see people randomly gathered up in foreign countries, stuck in a prison in Cuba, tortured into confessing whatever their inquisitors demand, have their right to demand the reasons for their imprisonment taken away, to have their rights under the geneva conventions taken away (as well as the right to reveal such violations in court made illegal).. when the very soul of what created this nation is tarnished by greedy, scum buckets that use a terrorist attack to enrich themselves and their friends.. creating a communist state in order to protect themselves and hide their illegal behaviour.. I find it disturbing that people say things like

"if you've got nothing to hide then you shouldn't care if we blatently violate the constitution"

This is really offensive! I,ve heard it from way too many people whodon't seem to realize that they are leaving to to someone else to determine what's to hide. Are you an antiwar Quaker for example? Some think that is an offense to our country and President's messianic ideas. There. I suppose that's an opinion to hide, right?For anyone who thinks this way orneeds an argument against such an opinion I suggest you "google" Pastor Niemoller's poem posted at Auschwitz, read it's history and variations. "I was not a (Fill in the blank) so I didn't stand up",etc.) It will raise thr hairs on your neck.

Regardless of the Bill of Rights or any privacy legislation, in practical terms you have no privacy on the Internet. ISP employees can and do snoop on your activities. So to telco employees. You can bet that, legal or not, law enforcement does as well. Hey, with street-corner cameras and face-recognition software, we're all going to have to start wearing Muslim veils if we want privacy anywhere.

A Canadian citizen stopped by the U.S when returning to Canada. Deported to Syria on "suspicion" of terrorism, tortured, beaten in a Syrian jail and now back in Canada. Cleared of any suspicion by a Federal commission. Yet remains on a US watch-list based on "information they can't reveal". Yes - we all should be worried.See <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/arar/" target="_newWindow">http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/arar/</a>

If you've got nothing to hide, stop whining. Are they posting all the super private, important, secret information on the internet for all to see? No. So who cares. Stop being philosophical about how our "rights" are bing violated and think about how many people have been stopped from hurting the US through the FBI's wiretapping.If you've got nothing to hide, you shouldn't be worried.

This is a common argument, which is base on at least one seriously flawed assumption: That the FBI i.e. the government are the "good guys". Don't forget this particular agency repeatedly blocked the efforts of a few agents to stop 9-11. Since then they have done all in their power to cover it up and have failed to bring any of the true perps to justice. The question is not if you've got something to hide, but what are they trying to hide?

In 2007, if you believe you have an expectation of privacy anywhere (n general) and on the net, your a fool. If you don?t do gangster ****, don?t praise allah, and pay your taxes, the government doesn?t care about you.

I?m down with the Constitution, and would die for it, however the executive and its agencies will do whatever they want, in the name of protecting America. Its only when things like this are exposed is when public debate decides it a good or bad thing.

We maybe in the future I might have something to hide - the sort of thing that brought about the constitution and so-called freedom from tyranny and corruption.

But beside the obvious, that is allowing this to happen allows abuse and illegal behaviour in the name of protection.

There is a reason why the government is not allowed to search and seize without court oversight

It is so that corrupt police or politicians can't spy on those that would help bring them to justice.. for instance a reporter who that reveals the FBI is spying on everyone via internet service providers.

But it seems to me that people here would rather live in a communist state than have freedom of movement or to be free of search and seizures without court oversight.

When I have to report to the government when I travel by air.. when I have to allow the government listen in on my calls to family overseas.. when I have to allow the government to spy on my internet activity.. when I see people randomly gathered up in foreign countries, stuck in a prison in Cuba, tortured into confessing whatever their inquisitors demand, have their right to demand the reasons for their imprisonment taken away, to have their rights under the geneva conventions taken away (as well as the right to reveal such violations in court made illegal).. when the very soul of what created this nation is tarnished by greedy, scum buckets that use a terrorist attack to enrich themselves and their friends.. creating a communist state in order to protect themselves and hide their illegal behaviour.. I find it disturbing that people say things like

"if you've got nothing to hide then you shouldn't care if we blatently violate the constitution"

This is really offensive! I,ve heard it from way too many people whodon't seem to realize that they are leaving to to someone else to determine what's to hide. Are you an antiwar Quaker for example? Some think that is an offense to our country and President's messianic ideas. There. I suppose that's an opinion to hide, right?For anyone who thinks this way orneeds an argument against such an opinion I suggest you "google" Pastor Niemoller's poem posted at Auschwitz, read it's history and variations. "I was not a (Fill in the blank) so I didn't stand up",etc.) It will raise thr hairs on your neck.

Regardless of the Bill of Rights or any privacy legislation, in practical terms you have no privacy on the Internet. ISP employees can and do snoop on your activities. So to telco employees. You can bet that, legal or not, law enforcement does as well. Hey, with street-corner cameras and face-recognition software, we're all going to have to start wearing Muslim veils if we want privacy anywhere.

A Canadian citizen stopped by the U.S when returning to Canada. Deported to Syria on "suspicion" of terrorism, tortured, beaten in a Syrian jail and now back in Canada. Cleared of any suspicion by a Federal commission. Yet remains on a US watch-list based on "information they can't reveal". Yes - we all should be worried.See <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/arar/" target="_newWindow">http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/arar/</a>

I shudder at the thought of this know-all database because, if they do have a database that records all internet traffic then eventually it WILL be hacked. I can guarantee it. If not by a group of hackers in their basement, but a foreign agency wanting the FBI's info.

In this day and age never say never. No system is 100% hack proof. Because the fact that they intercept ALL communications on the internet, they could have people's confidential financial information and once they're hacked, all that info will be compromised.

Even though they haven't been hacked yet, you cannot say it never will happen.

I shudder at the thought of this know-all database because, if they do have a database that records all internet traffic then eventually it WILL be hacked. I can guarantee it. If not by a group of hackers in their basement, but a foreign agency wanting the FBI's info.

In this day and age never say never. No system is 100% hack proof. Because the fact that they intercept ALL communications on the internet, they could have people's confidential financial information and once they're hacked, all that info will be compromised.

Even though they haven't been hacked yet, you cannot say it never will happen.

I always think that Internet 'privacy' advocates are hilarious. The nature of digital networks is that everything can be monitored and recorded. If you think you're ever going to have privacy online you're kidding yourself.

Even though digital networks CAN be monitored does NOT make it right to do so. The same thing can be said about your telephone line. People CAN monitor your phone calls, but that does NOT give them the right to do so.

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